Lemon-Garlic Fava Bean Delight
Lemon-Garlic Fava Bean Delight is a traditional Egyptian delicacy celebrated for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Often associated with hearty breakfasts, this dish elevates the humble fava bean to an exquisite level of culinary delight that can also serve as a comforting lunch. The dish harmoniously blends the earthy tones of fava beans with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice and the aromatic depth of garlic and cumin. Each spoonful delivers a tangy freshness complemented by a touch of green from fresh parsley, making it a nutritious and delightful way to start your day or refuel at lunch. Whether scooped with warm pita bread or enjoyed on its own, this recipe captures the essence of Egyptian comfort food and is certain to impress friends and family alike.
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Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry fava beans
1 lb (soaked overnight in water)
Garlic cloves
6-7 (smashed and peeled)
Fresh parsley
1 small bunch (finely chopped)
Lemons
2 (juiced)
Cumin seeds
3 teaspoons (toasted and ground)
Cherries or Tomatoes
1/2 cup (sliced or chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
Begin by smashing the garlic cloves with the flat part of a knife to remove the skins. Set them aside.
2
Finely chop the parsley and set aside for garnish.
3
In a small skillet, toast the cumin seeds over medium heat until they become fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer them to a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and grind into a fine powder.
4
In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and ground cumin, sautéing for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
5
Add the soaked and drained fava beans to the skillet. Pour in enough water to cover the beans, then cover with a lid and let them simmer for approximately one hour, or until the beans are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Once the beans are fully cooked, drain them through a sieve, ensuring to reserve the flavorful cooking liquid. Allow the beans to cool slightly, then shell them by making a small cut or tear at one end and squeezing them out of their skins into the reserved liquid. Discard the shells.
7
Return the shelled beans to the pot and bring them back to a gentle boil. Using a potato masher, mash the beans slightly, allowing for a chunky texture.
8
Add the chopped parsley, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and diced tomatoes to the mixture. Stir and allow to simmer for a few more minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
9
Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with warm pita bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Garlic Fava Bean Delight?
It is a traditional Egyptian delicacy featuring fava beans blended with lemon, garlic, and cumin, often served for breakfast or lunch.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan.
How long should I soak the dry fava beans?
The fava beans should be soaked in water overnight before cooking.
How long do the beans need to simmer?
The beans need to simmer for approximately one hour or until they are soft.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
The garlic cloves should be smashed with the flat part of a knife to remove the skins and then sautéed until fragrant.
What is the best way to shell cooked fava beans?
Make a small cut at one end of the bean and squeeze it out of its skin.
Why should I reserve the cooking liquid?
The cooking liquid is flavorful and is used to keep the dish moist after the beans are shelled and mashed.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is best served hot with warm pita bread for dipping.
How do I toast cumin seeds?
Toast them in a small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant.
Can I use a potato masher for this recipe?
Yes, a potato masher is used to crush the beans slightly to achieve a chunky texture.
What gives the dish its zesty flavor?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the signature zesty brightness.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, fava beans are naturally high in fiber, making this a nutritious meal.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
Fresh parsley is finely chopped and used for both flavor and garnish.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the garlic and cumin.
Are tomatoes required for this dish?
Yes, diced tomatoes or cherries are added near the end of cooking to thicken the mixture and add flavor.
Should the texture be completely smooth?
No, the beans should be mashed slightly while allowing for a chunky texture.
Can I use pre-ground cumin?
While pre-ground cumin works, toasting and grinding fresh seeds provides a much deeper aromatic depth.
How much fava beans do I need?
The recipe requires 1 lb of dry fava beans.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Add the lemon juice after shelling and mashing the beans, during the final simmering stage.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a staple Egyptian comfort food known for being hearty and satisfying.
Do I need to peel the beans before or after cooking?
You should peel the beans after they have been simmered and allowed to cool slightly.
What type of cuisine is this?
This is a traditional Egyptian and Mediterranean dish.
How many lemons are needed?
The recipe calls for the juice of 2 lemons.
Can I eat this for breakfast?
Absolutely, it is traditionally associated with hearty Egyptian breakfasts.
What spices are used?
The primary spices are cumin seeds, salt, and pepper.
Does the garlic need to be browned?
No, sauté the garlic only until it is fragrant, which takes about one minute.
How much cumin should I use?
The recipe suggests 3 teaspoons of cumin seeds.
Is the dish served hot or cold?
It is traditionally served hot.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 6-7 garlic cloves.
Can I use other beans for this?
This specific recipe is designed for fava beans to achieve the traditional Egyptian flavor and texture.